Robertson Construction North West has officially broken ground on a £38 million redevelopment of the Maternity and Women’s Health Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital, with a major programme of works to replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at its core.
The lightweight concrete, commonly used in UK buildings between the 1950s and 1980s, was identified in the existing structure in 2023, prompting a comprehensive upgrade plan.
Work will be carried out in phases to keep maternity services, including antenatal and postnatal care, fully operational throughout construction.
In addition to removing and replacing the RAAC, the project includes theatre refurbishments, new mechanical ventilation systems, and rooftop plant installation.
The first families are expected to be welcomed into the upgraded unit in early 2027.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust appointed WeBuild Healthcare as the main contractor, with Robertson as delivery partner through Lot 2 of the NHS ProCure23 framework, part of Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services Framework.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week, attended by representatives from the trust, Robertson Construction North West, estates partner iFM Bolton, and maternity and women’s health teams.
Robertson has pledged to deliver local employment and apprenticeship opportunities throughout the scheme.